The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring protection device including a housing assembly including at least one receptacle, the at least one receptacle being configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein. The housing assembly includes a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact. A fault detection circuit is coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal. The fault detection circuit is configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto. An interrupting contact assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit. A weld breaker mechanism is coupled to the interrupting contact assembly. The weld breaker mechanism is configured to strike the first pair of contacts and/or the second pair of contacts in response to the tripping stimulus.
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55. An electrical wiring protection device comprising:
a housing assembly including at least one receptacle, the at least one receptacle being configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein, the housing assembly including a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact;
a fault detection circuit coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal, the fault detection circuit being configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto;
an interrupting contact assembly coupled to the fault detection circuit, the interrupting contact assembly including at least one set of one-pole interrupting contacts having a pair of contacts coupling one of the line terminals to a corresponding load terminal or coupling the one line terminal to a corresponding user-accessible load terminal, the at least one set of one-pole interrupting contacts being configured to provide electrical continuity between the pair of contacts in a coupled state, the interrupting contact assembly generating a tripping stimulus to separate the pair of contacts in response to the fault detect signal, the pair of contacts being separated in a tripped state; and
a weld breaker mechanism coupled to the interrupting contact assembly, the weld breaker mechanism being configured to strike the pair of contacts in response to the tripping stimulus.
44. An electrical wiring protection device comprising:
a housing assembly including at least one receptacle, the at least one receptacle being configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein, the housing assembly including a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact;
a fault detection circuit coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal, the fault detection circuit being configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto;
an interrupting contact assembly includes a first tri-contact member configured to provide electrical continuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal in a coupled state and cause electrical discontinuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal in a tripped state, the interrupting contact assembly also including a second tri-contact member configured to provide electrical continuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal in a coupled state and cause electrical discontinuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal in a tripped state; and
a weld breaker mechanism coupled to the interrupting contact assembly, the weld breaker mechanism being configured to strike the first tri-contact member and/or the second tri-contact member in response to the tripping stimulus.
1. An electrical wiring protection device comprising:
a housing assembly including at least one receptacle, the at least one receptacle being configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein, the housing assembly including a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact;
a fault detection circuit coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal, the fault detection circuit being configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto;
an interrupting contact assembly coupled to the fault detection circuit, the interrupting contact assembly including at least one set of two-pole interrupting contacts having a first pair of contacts coupling one of the line terminals to a corresponding load terminal and a second pair of contacts coupling the one line terminal to a corresponding user-accessible load terminal, the at least one set of two-pole interrupting contacts being configured to provide electrical continuity between the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts in a coupled state, the interrupting contact assembly generating a tripping stimulus to separate the first pair of contacts and second pair of contacts in response to the fault detect signal, the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts being separated in a tripped state; and
a weld breaker mechanism coupled to the interrupting contact assembly, the weld breaker mechanism being configured to strike the first pair of contacts and/or the second pair of contacts in response to the tripping stimulus.
48. An electrical wiring protection device comprising:
a housing assembly including at least one receptacle, the at least one receptacle being configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein, the housing assembly including a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact;
a fault detection circuit coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal, the fault detection circuit being configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto;
a four-pole interrupting contact assembly coupled to the fault detection circuit, the four-pole interrupting contacts including,
a hot cantilever assembly including a hot line cantilever connected to the hot line terminal and including a first hot contact disposed thereon, a fixed second hot contact coupled to the hot user-accessible load terminal, and a hot load cantilever connected to the hot load terminal and including a third hot contact disposed thereon, the first hot contact, the second hot contact, and the third hot contact being aligned and configured to provide electrical continuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal in a coupled state and cause electrical discontinuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal in a tripped state, and
a neutral cantilever assembly including a neutral line cantilever connected to the neutral line terminal and including a first neutral contact disposed thereon, a fixed second neutral contact coupled to the neutral user-accessible load terminal, and a neutral load cantilever connected to the neutral load terminal and including a third neutral contact disposed thereon, the first neutral contact, the second neutral contact, and the third neutral contact being aligned and configured to provide electrical continuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal in a coupled state and cause electrical discontinuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal in a tripped state; and
a weld breaker mechanism coupled to the four-pole interrupting contact assembly, the weld breaker mechanism being configured to strike the hot cantilever assembly and/or the neutral cantilever assembly in response to the tripping stimulus.
42. An electrical wiring protection device comprising:
a housing assembly including at least one receptacle, the at least one receptacle being configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein, the housing assembly including a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact;
a fault detection circuit coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal, the fault detection circuit being configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto;
a four-pole interrupting contact assembly coupled to the fault detection circuit, the four-pole interrupting contact assembly including,
a first cantilever connected to the hot line terminal at a first end and including a first cantilever contact disposed thereon at a second end, the first cantilever contact and a hot load terminal contact forming a first contact pair of hot contacts configured to couple the hot line terminal and the hot load terminal,
a second cantilever connected to the hot line terminal at the first end and including a second cantilever contact disposed thereon at the second end, the second cantilever contact and a hot user-accessible load contact forming a second contact pair of hot contacts configured to couple the hot line terminal and the hot user-accessible load terminal,
a third cantilever connected to the neutral line terminal at a first end and including a third cantilever contact disposed thereon at the second end, the third cantilever contact and a neutral load terminal contact forming a first contact pair of neutral contacts configured to couple the neutral line terminal and the neutral load terminal, and
a fourth cantilever connected to the neutral line terminal at the first end and including a fourth cantilever contact disposed thereon at the second end, the fourth cantilever contact and a neutral user-accessible load contact forming a second contact pair of neutral contacts configured to couple the neutral line terminal and the neutral user-accessible load terminal, whereby the first pair of hot contacts, the second pair of hot contacts, the first pair of neutral contacts, and the second pair of neutral contacts are decoupled in response to the fault detect signal; and
a weld breaker mechanism coupled to the interrupting contact assembly, the weld breaker mechanism being configured to strike the first cantilever, the second cantilever, the third cantilever, and/or the fourth cantilever in response to the tripping stimulus.
2. The device of
3. The device of
a first neutral line contact assembly including a neutral line contact electrically connected to the neutral line terminal; and
a first neutral load contact assembly including a neutral load contact electrically connected to the neutral load contact and the neutral user accessible receptacle contact, the neutral load contact and the neutral line contact forming a third contact pair, the third contact pair tending to separate in response to the tripping stimulus.
4. The device of
5. The device of
6. The device of
a first hot line contact assembly including a hot line contact electrically connected to the hot line terminal; and
a first hot load contact assembly including a hot load contact electrically connected to the hot load contact and the hot user accessible receptacle contact, the hot load contact and the hot line contact forming a third contact pair, the third contact pair tending to separate in response to the tripping stimulus.
7. The device of
8. The device of
9. The device of
10. The device of
11. The device of
12. The device of
a latch block coupled to the interrupting contact assembly, the latch block being configured to move in a first direction in response to the tripping stimulus;
a first arm coupled to the latch block and positioned to strike a portion of the at least one set of two-pole interrupting contacts connected to the first pair of contacts, the first arm being configured to apply a striking force to separate the first pair of contacts; and
a second arm coupled to the latch block and positioned to strike a portion of the at least one set of two-pole interrupting contacts connected to the second pair of contacts, the second arm being configured to apply a striking force to separate the second pair of contacts.
13. The device of
14. The device of
15. The device of
a first cantilever connected to the hot line terminal at a first end and including a first cantilever contact disposed thereon at a second end, the first cantilever contact and a hot load terminal contact forming the first pair of contacts configured to couple the hot line terminal and the hot load terminal;
a second cantilever connected to the hot line terminal at the first end and including a second cantilever contact disposed thereon at the second end, the second cantilever contact and a hot user-accessible load contact forming the second pair of contacts configured to couple the hot line terminal and the hot user-accessible receptacle terminal;
a third cantilever connected to the neutral line terminal at a first end and including a third cantilever contact disposed thereon at the second end, the third cantilever contact and a neutral load terminal contact forming a third pair of contacts configured to couple the neutral line terminal and the neutral load terminal; and
a fourth cantilever connected to the neutral line terminal at the first end and including a fourth cantilever contact disposed thereon at the second end, the fourth cantilever contact and a neutral user-accessible load contact forming a fourth pair of contacts configured to couple the neutral line terminal and the neutral user-accessible receptacle terminal.
16. The device of
17. The device of
18. The device of
19. The device of
a latch toggle mechanism including a first arm and a second arm in a fixed positional relationship about an axis of rotation, the first arm being coupled to the first cantilever, second cantilever, third cantilever, and the fourth cantilever;
a first solenoid coupled to the reset mechanism and configured to apply a first force to the second arm in response to the reset stimulus to thereby move the first arm and the second arm in a first direction about the axis of rotation, the first arm driving the first cantilever, second cantilever, third cantilever, and the fourth cantilever in response thereto, whereby electrical continuity between the first pair of contacts, second pair of contacts, third pair of contacts, and fourth pair of contacts is reestablished; and
a second solenoid coupled to a test button and configured to apply a second force to the first arm to thereby move the first arm and the second arm in a second direction about the axis of rotation, the first arm driving the first cantilever, second cantilever, third cantilever, and the fourth cantilever in response thereto, whereby electrical continuity between the first pair of contacts, second pair of contacts, third pair of contacts, and fourth pair of contacts is broken.
20. The device of
21. The device of
a first platform including three contacts disposed thereon, a first contact being aligned with a hot line contact, a second contact being aligned with a hot load contact, and a third line being aligned with a hot user-accessible receptacle contact;
a first axial member coupled to the platform;
a first spring coupled to the axial member, the spring being configured to exert a first force tending to drive the platform into the tripped state causing electrical discontinuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal; and
a latch member coupled to the fault detection circuit, the latch member being configured to exert a second force greater than the first force, tending to drive the platform into the coupled state providing electrical continuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal.
22. The device of
a second platform including three contacts disposed thereon, a first contact being aligned with a neutral line contact, a second contact being aligned with a neutral load contact, and a third line being aligned with a neutral user-accessible load contact;
a second axial member coupled to the platform;
a second spring coupled to the axial member, the spring being configured to exert a first force tending to drive the platform into the tripped state causing electrical discontinuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal; and
wherein the latch member is coupled to the fault detection circuit, the latch member being configured to exert a second force greater than the first force, tending to drive the platform into the coupled state providing electrical continuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal.
23. The device of
a hot cantilever assembly including a hot line cantilever connected to the hot line terminal, the hot line cantilever including a first hot contact disposed thereon, a fixed second hot contact coupled to the hot user-accessible receptacle terminal, and a hot load cantilever connected to the hot load terminal, the hot load cantilever including a third hot contact disposed thereon, the first hot contact and the second hot contact forming the first contact pair, and the first hot contact and the third hot contact forming the second contact pair; and
a neutral cantilever assembly including a neutral line cantilever connected to the neutral line terminal, the neutral line cantilever including a first neutral contact disposed thereon, a fixed second neutral contact coupled to the neutral user-accessible receptacle terminal, and a neutral load cantilever connected to the neutral load terminal, the neutral load cantilever including a third neutral contact disposed thereon, the first neutral contact and the second neutral contact forming a third contact pair, and the first neutral contact and the third neutral contact forming the fourth contact pair, the third pair of contacts and the fourth pair of neutral contacts being configured to open in response to the tripping stimulus.
24. The device of
25. The device of
26. The device of
27. The device of
28. The device of
29. The device of
30. The device of
33. The device of
34. The device of
35. The device of
36. The device of
37. The device of
38. The device according to
39. The device of
40. The device of
41. The device of
43. The device of
45. The device of
a platform including three contacts disposed thereon, a first contact being aligned with a hot line contact, a second contact being aligned with a hot load contact, and a third line being aligned with a hot user-accessible load contact;
an axial member coupled to the platform;
a spring coupled to the axial member, the spring being configured to exert a first force tending to drive the platform into the tripped state causing electrical discontinuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal; and
a latch member coupled to the fault detection circuit, the latch member being configured to exert a second force greater than the first force, tending to drive the platform into the coupled state providing electrical continuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal.
46. The device of
a platform including three contacts disposed thereon, a first contact being aligned with a neutral line contact, a second contact being aligned with a neutral load contact, and a third line being aligned with a neutral user-accessible load contact;
an axial member coupled to the platform;
a spring coupled to the axial member, the spring being configured to exert a first force tending to drive the platform into the tripped state causing electrical discontinuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal; and
wherein the latch member is coupled to the fault detection circuit, the latch member being configured to exert a second force greater than the first force, tending to drive the platform into the coupled state providing electrical continuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal.
47. The device of
49. The device of
a latch block coupled to the interrupting contact assembly, the latch block being configured to move in a first direction in response to the tripping stimulus;
a first weld breaker assembly including,
a first arm coupled to the latch block and positioned to strike the hot line cantilever when the latch block moves in the first direction, and
a second arm coupled to the latch block and positioned to strike the hot load cantilever when the latch block moves in the first direction; and
a second weld breaker assembly including,
a third arm coupled to the latch block and positioned to strike the neutral line cantilever when the latch block moves in the first direction, and
a fourth arm coupled to the latch block and positioned to strike the neutral load cantilever when the latch block moves in the first direction.
50. The device of
51. The device of
52. The device of
53. The device of
54. The device of
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This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/900,769—Protection Device with Power to Receptacle Cut-Off) filed on Jul. 28, 2004, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 is hereby claimed. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/900,769 claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/541,506, filed Feb. 3, 2004, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to protection devices, and particularly to protection devices having power to the receptacles cut-off features.
2. Technical Background
Most residential, commercial, or industrial buildings include one or more breaker panels that are configured to receive AC power from a utility source. The breaker panel distributes AC power to one or more branch electric circuits installed in the building. The electric circuits transmit AC power to one or more electrically powered devices, commonly referred to in the art as load circuits. Each electric circuit typically employs one or more electric circuit protection devices. Examples of such devices include ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), or both GFCIs and AFCIs. Further, AFCI and GFCI protection may be included in one protective device.
The circuit protection devices are configured to interrupt the flow of electrical power to a load circuit under certain fault conditions. When a fault condition is detected, the protection device eliminates the fault condition by interrupting the flow of electrical power to the load circuit by causing interrupting contacts to break the connection between the line terminals and load terminals. As indicated by the name of each respective device, an AFCI protects the electric circuit in the event of an arc fault, whereas a GFCI guards against ground faults. An arc fault is a discharge of electricity between two or more conductors. An arc fault may be caused by damaged insulation on the hot line conductor or neutral line conductor, or on both the hot line conductor and the neutral line conductor. The damaged insulation may cause a low power arc between the two conductors and a fire may result. An arc fault typically manifests itself as a high frequency current signal. Accordingly, an AFCI may be configured to detect various high frequency signals and de-energize the electrical circuit in response thereto.
With regard to GFCIs, a ground fault occurs when a current carrying (hot) conductor creates an unintended current path to ground. A differential current is created between the hot/neutral conductors because some of the current flowing in the circuit is diverted into the unintended current path. The unintended current path represents an electrical shock hazard. Ground faults, as well as arc faults, may also result in fire. GFCIs intended to prevent fire have been called ground-fault equipment protectors (GFEPs.)
Ground faults occur for several reasons. First, the hot conductor may contact ground if the electrical wiring insulation within a load circuit becomes damaged. This scenario represents a shock hazard. For example, if a user comes into contact with a hot conductor while simultaneously contact ground, the user will experience a shock. A ground fault may also occur when the equipment comes in contact with water. A ground fault may also result from damaged insulation within the electrical power distribution system.
As noted above, a ground fault creates a differential current between the hot conductor and the neutral conductor. Under normal operating conditions, the current flowing in the hot conductor should equal the current in the neutral conductor. Accordingly, GFCIs are typically configured to compare the current in the hot conductor to the return current in the neutral conductor by sensing the differential current between the two conductors. When the differential current exceeds a predetermined threshold, usually about 6 mA, the GFCI typically responds by interrupting the circuit. Circuit interruption is typically effected by opening a set of contacts disposed between the source of power and the load. The GFCI may also respond by actuating an alarm of some kind.
Another type of ground fault may occur when the load neutral terminal, or a conductor connected to the load neutral terminal, becomes grounded. This condition does not represent an immediate shock hazard. As noted above, a GFCI will trip under normal conditions when the differential current is greater than or equal to approximately 6 mA. However, when the load neutral conductor is grounded the GFCI becomes de-sensitized because some of the return path current is diverted to ground. When this happens, it may take up to 30 mA of differential current before the GFCI trips. This scenario represents a double-fault condition. In other words, when the user comes into contact with a hot conductor (the first fault) at the same time as contacting a neutral conductor that has been grounded on the load side (the second fault), the user may experience serious injury or death.
The aforementioned protective devices may be conveniently packaged in receptacles that are configured to be installed in wall boxes. The protective device may be configured for various electrical power distribution systems, including multi-phase distribution systems. A receptacle typically includes input terminals that are configured to be connected to an electric branch circuit. Accordingly, the receptacle includes at least one hot line terminal and may include a neutral line terminal for connection to the hot power line and a neutral power line, respectively. The hot power line and the neutral power line, of course, are coupled to the breaker panel. The receptacle also includes output terminals configured to be connected to a load circuit. In particular, the receptacle has feed-through terminals that include a hot load terminal and a neutral load terminal. The receptacle also includes user accessible plug receptacles connected to the feed through terminals. Accordingly, load devices equipped with a cord and plug may access AC power by way of the user accessible plug receptacles.
However, there are drawbacks associated with hard-wiring the user accessible plug receptacles to the feed-through terminals. As noted above, when a fault condition is detected in the electrical distribution system, a circuit interrupter breaks the electrical coupling between the line and load terminals to remove AC power from the load terminals. If the protective device is wired correctly, AC power to the user accessible plug receptacles is also removed. However, power to the user accessible plug receptacles may not be removed if the protective device is miswired.
In particular, a miswire condition exists when the hot power line and the neutral power line are connected to the hot output terminal and the neutral output terminal, respectively. For 120 VAC distribution systems, the hot power line and the neutral power line are configured to be connected the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal, respectively. If the electrical distribution system includes load wires, miswire is completed by connecting the load wires to the line terminals. A miswire condition may represent a hazard to a user when a cord connected load is plugged into the user accessible receptacle included in the device. Even if the circuit is interrupted in response to a true or simulated fault condition, AC power is present at the terminals of the receptacle because the feed-through (load) terminals and the receptacle terminals are hard-wired. Thus, the user is not protected if there is a fault condition in the cord-connected load.
Besides miswiring, failure of the device to interrupt a true fault condition or simulated fault condition may be due to the device having an internal fault condition, also know as an end of life condition. The device includes electro-mechanical components that are subject to reaching end of life, including electronic components that can open circuit or short circuit, and mechanical components such as the contacts of the circuit interrupter that can become immobile due to welding, and the like.
In one approach that has been considered, the protective device is configured to trip in response to a miswire condition. Thus, if the power source of the electrical distribution system is connected to the load terminals (i.e., a line-load miswire condition), the circuit interrupting contacts will break electrical connection. The installer is made aware of the miswired condition when he discovers that power is not available to the downstream receptacles coupled to the miswired receptacle. After the miswiring condition is remedied, the interrupting contacts in the device may be reset. One drawback to this approach becomes evident when the protective device is not coupled to any downstream receptacles. In this scenario, the installer may not become aware of the miswire condition.
Accordingly, there is a need to deny power to the user accessible receptacles when the device is tripped. This safety feature is especially needed when the GFCI is miswired.
The present invention is configured to deny power to the user accessible plug receptacles when the device is tripped. Accordingly, the present invention provides a safety feature that eliminates a hazard condition that may be evident during a GFCI miswire condition.
One aspect of the present invention is directed to an electrical wiring protection device including a housing assembly including at least one receptacle, the at least one receptacle being configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein. The housing assembly includes a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact. A fault detection circuit is coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal. The fault detection circuit is configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto. An interrupting contact assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit. The interrupting contact assembly includes at least one set of two-pole interrupting contacts having a first pair of contacts coupling one of the line terminals to a corresponding load terminal and a second pair of contacts coupling the one line terminal to a corresponding user-accessible load terminal. The at least one set of two-pole interrupting contacts is configured to provide electrical continuity between the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts in a coupled state. The interrupting contact assembly generates a tripping stimulus to separate the first pair of contacts and second pair of contacts in response to the fault detect signal, the first pair of contacts and the second pair of contacts being separated in a tripped state. A weld breaker mechanism is coupled to the interrupting contact assembly. The weld breaker mechanism is configured to strike the first pair of contacts and/or the second pair of contacts in response to the tripping stimulus.
In another aspect, the present invention includes an electrical wiring protection device including a housing assembly including at least one receptacle. The at least one receptacle is configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein. The housing assembly includes a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact. A fault detection circuit is coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal. The fault detection circuit is configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto. A four-pole interrupting contact assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit. The four-pole interrupting contact assembly includes a first cantilever connected to the hot line terminal at a first end and including a first cantilever contact disposed thereon at a second end. The first cantilever contact and a hot load terminal contact form a first contact pair of hot contacts configured to couple the hot line terminal and the hot load terminal. A second cantilever is connected to the hot line terminal at the first end and including a second cantilever contact disposed thereon at the second end, the second cantilever contact and a hot user-accessible load contact forming a second contact pair of hot contacts configured to couple the hot line terminal and the hot user-accessible load terminal. A third cantilever is connected to the neutral line terminal at a first end and including a third cantilever contact disposed thereon at the second end, the third cantilever contact and a neutral load terminal contact forming a first contact pair of neutral contacts configured to couple the neutral line terminal and the neutral load terminal. A fourth cantilever is connected to the neutral line terminal at the first end and including a fourth cantilever contact disposed thereon at the second end, the fourth cantilever contact and a neutral user-accessible load contact forming a second contact pair of neutral contacts configured to couple the neutral line terminal and the neutral user-accessible load terminal, whereby the first pair of hot contacts, the second pair of hot contacts, the first pair of neutral contacts, and the second pair of neutral contacts are decoupled in response to the fault detect signal. A weld breaker mechanism is coupled to the interrupting contact assembly, the weld breaker mechanism being configured to strike the first cantilever, the second cantilever, the third cantilever, and/or the fourth cantilever in response to the tripping stimulus.
In another aspect, the present invention includes an electrical wiring protection device including a housing assembly that includes at least one receptacle. The at least one receptacle is configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein. The housing assembly includes a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact. A fault detection circuit is coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal, the fault detection circuit being configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto. An interrupting contact assembly includes a first tri-contact member configured to provide electrical continuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal in a coupled state and cause electrical discontinuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal in a tripped state. The interrupting contact assembly also includes a second tri-contact member configured to provide electrical continuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal in a coupled state and cause electrical discontinuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal in a tripped state. A weld breaker mechanism is coupled to the interrupting contact assembly, the weld breaker mechanism being configured to strike the first tri-contact member and/or the second tri-contact member in response to the tripping stimulus.
In another aspect, the present invention includes An electrical wiring protection device includes a housing assembly having at least one receptacle. The at least one receptacle is configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein. The housing assembly includes a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact. A fault detection circuit is coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal, the fault detection circuit being configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto. A four-pole interrupting contact assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit. The four-pole interrupting contacts include a hot cantilever assembly having a hot line cantilever connected to the hot line terminal and includes a first hot contact disposed thereon. A fixed second hot contact is coupled to the hot user-accessible load terminal, and a hot load cantilever is connected to the hot load terminal and includes a third hot contact disposed thereon. The first hot contact, the second hot contact, and the third hot contact are aligned and configured to provide electrical continuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal in a coupled state and cause electrical discontinuity between the hot line terminal, the hot load terminal, and the hot user-accessible load terminal in a tripped state. A neutral cantilever assembly includes a neutral line cantilever connected to the neutral line terminal and includes a first neutral contact disposed thereon. A fixed second neutral contact is coupled to the neutral user-accessible load terminal, and a neutral load cantilever is connected to the neutral load terminal and includes a third neutral contact disposed thereon. The first neutral contact, the second neutral contact, and the third neutral contact are aligned and configured to provide electrical continuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal in a coupled state and cause electrical discontinuity between the neutral line terminal, the neutral load terminal, and the neutral user-accessible load terminal in a tripped state. A weld breaker mechanism is coupled to the four-pole interrupting contact assembly. The weld breaker mechanism is configured to strike the hot cantilever assembly and/or the neutral cantilever assembly in response to the tripping stimulus.
In another aspect, the present invention includes An electrical wiring protection device includes a housing assembly having at least one receptacle. The at least one receptacle is configured to receive plug contact blades inserted therein. The housing assembly includes a hot line terminal, a neutral line terminal, a hot load terminal, a neutral load terminal, a hot user-accessible receptacle contact, and a neutral user accessible receptacle contact. A fault detection circuit is coupled to the hot line terminal and the neutral line terminal, the fault detection circuit being configured to detect at least one fault condition and provide a fault detect signal in response thereto. An interrupting contact assembly is coupled to the fault detection circuit. The interrupting contact assembly includes at least one set of one-pole interrupting contacts having a pair of contacts coupling one of the line terminals to a corresponding load terminal or coupling the one line terminal to a corresponding user-accessible load terminal. The at least one set of one-pole interrupting contacts is configured to provide electrical continuity between the pair of contacts in a coupled state. The interrupting contact assembly generates a tripping stimulus to separate the pair of contacts in response to the fault detect signal, the pair of contacts being separated in a tripped state. A weld breaker mechanism is coupled to the interrupting contact assembly, the weld breaker mechanism being configured to strike the pair of contacts in response to the tripping stimulus.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary of the invention, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. An exemplary embodiment of the wiring device of the present invention is shown in
As embodied herein, and depicted in
With regard to contact assembly 15, neutral line terminal 20 is connected to cantilever member 22 and cantilever member 26. Cantilevers 22 and 26 are coupled to latch mechanism 80. Cantilever member 22 includes a moveable contact 24. In the reset position, moveable contact 24 is configured to mate with stationary contact 32. Stationary contact 32 is coupled to neutral load feed-through terminal 30. Cantilever member 26 includes moveable contact 28. In the reset position, moveable contact 28 is configured to mate with stationary contact 46. Stationary contact 46 is coupled to the neutral contact 42 in receptacle 40. Hot line terminal 200 is connected to cantilever member 220 and cantilever member 260. Cantilevers 220 and 260 are also coupled to latch mechanism 80. Cantilever member 220 includes a moveable contact 240. In the reset position, moveable contact 240 is configured to mate with stationary contact 320, which is coupled to hot load feed-through terminal 300. Cantilever member 260 includes a moveable contact 280. In the reset position, moveable contact 280 is configured to mate with stationary contact 460, which is coupled to the hot contact 48 in receptacle 40.
Accordingly, when SCR 106 signals trip solenoid 52, latch mechanism 80 pulls the cantilevers 22, 26, 220, and 260 such that moveable contacts 24, 28, 240, and 280 are separated from stationary contacts 32, 46, 320, and 460, respectively. When reset button 60 is depressed, reset solenoid 64 is actuated. Solenoid 64 causes latch mechanism 80 to close the aforementioned pairs of contacts to thereby restore AC power.
The reset mechanism includes reset button 60, contacts 62, and reset solenoid 64. When reset button 60 is depressed, contacts 62 are closed to thereby initiate a test procedure. If the test procedure is successful, reset solenoid 64 is actuated, and latch mechanism 80 is toggled to reset device 10. When device 10 has an internal fault condition, the test procedure is unsuccessful, and the circuitry does not transmit a reset signal. The reset solenoid 64 is not actuated, and the device is not reset. As described above, latch mechanism 80 is toggled between the tripped state and the reset state by trip solenoid 52 and reset solenoid 64, respectively.
Latch mechanism 80 may be toggled to the tripped position by the fault detection circuitry, as described above, or by a user accessible test button 50. Alternatively, latch mechanism 80 may be tripped by the fault detection circuitry, as described above, and by an electrical test button 50′. The electrical test button 50′ produces a simulated condition configured to test a portion of, or all of, the detection circuitry. A test acceptance signal toggles latch mechanism 80 to the tripped position. The simulated condition may be a test signal or an induced fault signal. Hereinafter, both of these signals will be referred to as simulated fault conditions.
Referring to
Line neutral cantilevers 22, 26 are connected at one end to line neutral terminal 20. At the other end, line cantilever 22 includes a terminal contact 24. In similar fashion, line cantilever 26 includes a terminal contact 28 adjacent to contact 24. Cantilevers 22 and 26 are flexibly connected to latch mechanism 80 by way of wiper arm 82. Load neutral terminal 30 is coupled to load neutral contact 32. Load neutral contact 32 and line neutral contact 24 form a pair of separable contacts. Receptacle neutral contact 42 is connected to member 44. Member 44 includes neutral contact 46. Neutral contact 46 and line neutral contact 28 also form a pair of separable contacts.
Latch mechanism 80 is actuated by test button 50 and reset button 60. Test button 50 is a mechanical actuator that is coupled to latch mechanism 80. When test button 50 is depressed, each separable contact pair is separated to remove power to the feed through terminals and the receptacle terminals. Reset button 60 is an electric switch mechanism that is actuated when button 60 closes contacts 62. Contacts 62 actuates solenoid 64. If the test is successful, each separable contact pair is closed. The operation of dual-solenoids 52, 64 will be discussed below in more detail.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
In this embodiment, the device is typically tripped before being installed by the user. If the device is miswired by the installer, source power is not available to the reset solenoid due to the tripped condition. The device cannot be reset. As a result, AC power is denied to the receptacles until device 10 is wired correctly.
Referring to
Subsequently, if the protection circuit senses and detects a fault condition, trip solenoid 52 is activated causing latch 80 to toggle in the other direction. Wiper arm 82 overcomes the spring loaded bias of the cantilevered arm and drives the cantilevers downward to thereby open the contacts and trip the device. As a result, power is removed from receptacles 40 and load terminals 30 and 300.
Referring to
Trip solenoid 52 is activated when sensor 100 and detector 104 detect a fault condition. The contacts pairs 24 and 32, 28 and 46, 480 and 460, and 240 and 320 electrically decouple in response thereto, disconnecting the line, load, and receptacle contacts. TEST button switch 50′ is accessible to the user and introduces a simulated ground fault, providing a convenient method for the user to periodically test the GFCI operation.
Device 10 may include a trip indicator. When device 10 is tripped, trip indicator 130 is activated. Trip indicator 130 includes components R9, R13, R14, and D1 (LED) which are connected in parallel with switch. When device 10 is tripped, LED D1 is illuminated. However, when the contacts are reset, there is no potential difference to cause illumination of LED and D1. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that indicator 130 may include an audible annunciator as well as an illumination device.
After device 10 is tripped, the user typically depresses reset switch 60 to reset the device. Switch S7 is disposed in a position to supply power to the reset solenoid 64 via switch 60, 62. Once reset button 60 is depressed, a simulated fault is introduced through R1. The GFCI power supply (located at the anode of D1) supplies current to charge capacitor C9. When the detector 104 responds to the simulated fault, SCR Q1 is turned on. When SCR Q1 is turned on, the charge stored in C9 will discharge through the R16 and SCR Q2. As a result of the discharge current, SCR Q2 is turned on, current flows through reset solenoid 64, and the device 10 is reset.
Device 10 includes a timing circuit that is configured to limit the time that the reset solenoid is ON, irrespective of the duration that the reset button is depressed by the user. Momentary activation of the reset solenoid avoids thermal damage to the reset solenoid due to over-activation. This feature also avoids the possibility of the reset solenoid interfering with circuit interruption when the trip solenoid is activated.
Timing circuit 140 includes: diode D2; resistors R15, R12, and R11; capacitor C10 and transistor Q3. When the reset button 60 is depressed, C10 begins charging through D2 and R15 while the simulated fault signal through R1 is being introduced. C10 is charged to a voltage that turns transistor Q3 ON after a predetermined interval, typically one and a half line cycles (25 milliseconds). Transistor Q3 discharges capacitor C9, causing Q2 to turn off. Thus, reset solenoid 64 is activated when reset button 60 is pressed and causes SCRs Q1 and Q2 to turn on, and deactivates when transistor Q3 turns on and causes SCR Q2 to turn off. Reset solenoid 64 can be reactivated for another momentary interval if the reset button 60 is released by the user for a pre-determined duration that allows C4 to discharge to a voltage where Q3 turns off. Alternatively, a timer can establish momentary reset solenoid actuation by controlling the duration of the simulated test signal or the closure interval of contact 62. Alternatively, the timer can employ mechanical and/or electrical timing methods.
Referring to
End-of-life (EOL) circuit 120 includes resistors R19–R25, SCR Q4, and diode D5. Resistor R23 is configured to heat to a temperature greater than a pre-established threshold when device 10 has an internal fault. When the temperature of resistor R23 is greater than the threshold, the line terminals decouple from the load terminals, independent of the four-pole interrupter contacts previously described. Alternatively, a resistor can be dedicated to each terminal. The resistors are heated independently to decouple the load terminals from the line terminals.
EOL circuit 120 operates as follows. With device 10 reset, the user pushes the TEST button 50′, and a simulated fault is introduced through R25. Accordingly, 120V AC power is applied to EOL circuit 120. If the GFCI is operating properly, sensor 100, detector 104, and other GFCI circuitry will respond to the simulated fault and trip switches S3–S7 (contact pairs 24,32; 28,46; 240,320; 280,460) within a predetermined time (typically 25 milliseconds for GFCIs.) The circuit is designed such that the simulated fault current flowing through R25 is terminated while TEST button 50′ is continuously being pushed. As such, power is removed from EOL circuit 120 before resistors R23 and/or R24 reach the temperature threshold.
Resistors R20–R22 and SCR Q1 form a latch circuit. When device 10 is not operating properly. The uninterrupted current through R21 will cause the resistance value of R21 to increase significantly. When resistor R21 changes value, the voltage divider formed by R21 and R22 is likewise changed. The voltage across R20 and R19 becomes sufficient to turn on Q4 and current begins to flow through resistors R23 and R24. In a short period of time, R23 and R24 begin to overheat and the solder securing R23 and R24 to printed circuit board 12 fails. After the solder melts, resistors R23 and R24 are displaced, actuating a mechanical disconnect mechanism 121. Alternatively, the response time of R23, R24 can be designed such that the solder is melted within the time test button 50 is depressed, in which case, the latch circuit can be omitted. R23 and R24 are directly coupled to the test circuit in this embodiment.
As embodied herein and depicted in
The schematic shown in
If device 10 is miswired, the constant flow of current through resistor 522 is not present for a sufficient amount of time, and resistor 522 fails to open-circuit. However, the current that does flow through resistor 522 is sensed by differential transformer 100 as a differential current and detected by detector 104. Detector 104 signals SCR 106 to turn ON to thereby actuate solenoid 52. In turn, solenoid 52 is energized, tripping the mechanism 528. Accordingly, the current flowing through resistor 522 is interrupted before it fails. The duration of the interrupted current flow through resistor 522 is approximately the response time of device 10, e.g., less than 0.1 seconds. The duration of the current flow is too brief to cause opening of resistor 522. If reset button 526 is depressed to reset trip mechanism 528, current starts to flow again through resistor 522, however, the current is detected and mechanism 528 is immediately tripped again before resistor 522 is opened. In this manner, trip mechanism 528 does not remain in the reset state when the source of power of the power distribution system is miswired to the load terminals. Thus power is removed automatically from the receptacle terminals when the power source has been miswired to the load terminals.
Referring to
Both neutral contact mechanism 506 and hot contact mechanism 516 are configured to be moved upward and downward with respect to the fixed contacts 500, 501, 502, 508, 510 and 512 Neutral contacts 505, are disposed on curvilinear arms 534. As shown, one contact 505 corresponds to line contact 500, another to load contact 502, and yet another to fixed neutral contact 501. Referring to hot contact mechanism 516, contacts 514 are disposed on arms 536. Load hot contact 510 is not shown in
Referring to
Referring to
As embodied herein, and depicted in
Referring to
Accordingly, neutral line terminal 20 is connected to neutral line cantilever beam 816. Cantilever beam 816 includes moveable neutral line contact 800 disposed at the end of the cantilever beam 816. Neutral load terminal 30 is connected to neutral load cantilever 814. Load cantilever beam 814 includes a double sided contact 804 disposed at the end of cantilever beam 814. Neutral receptacle terminal 42 is electrically connected to fixed terminal 808. Thus, in the reset (closed) state, neutral receptacle terminal 42 is electrically connected to a stationary (or fixed) contact 808. When device 10 is in the reset state, fixed contact 808 makes electrical connection to a neutral line contact 800 by way of a double-sided neutral load contact 804. Accordingly, electrical continuity is established through line terminal 20, cantilever 816, contacts 800, 804, 808, cantilever beam 814 and finally, load terminal 30.
The relationship between the contact arrangement described above, the trip mechanism 801, and the reset mechanism 820 is as follows. The trip mechanism includes solenoid 52, which as described above, is connected to SCR 106. In response to the signal from SCR 106, solenoid 52 generates a magnetic field that causes armature 51 to move laterally. The rest mechanism includes reset button 822. Reset button 822 is connected to reset pin 824. Reset pin 824 includes a plunger 828 which is inserted into a hole in latch 826 while in the closed state. In particular, latch 826 prevents plunger 828 from moving upward due to latching escapement 830. A spring 832 is disposed around reset pin 824. In the closed state, button 822 is depressed and flush with the cover of device 10. As a result, spring 832 is compressed between button 822 and a portion of the cover.
When device 10 is reset, reset button 822 is depressed, directing the reset stem 824 and plunger 828 into a hole in latch 826. When the plunger 828 is fully extended through the hole, latch 826 moves laterally to catch escapement 830 by virtue of the biasing force provided by spring 834. The force associated with the energy stored in compressed spring 832 is greater than the tripping forces associated with the trip mechanism. Accordingly, spring 832 lifts latch 826 and cantilever 816 in an upward direction. When cantilever 816 moves upward, contact 800 engages contact 804, causing cantilever 814 to move upwardly until contact 804 engages fixed contact 808.
In an alternate embodiment, a break spring 836 is coupled to cantilever 816. Break spring 836 urges cantilever 816 downward when it is no longer restrained by spring 832. In yet another alternate embodiment, break spring 836 assists the self-bias of cantilever 816 during the transition to the tripped state. Similarly, cantilever 814 may also be provided with a break spring.
As embodied herein and depicted in
Referring again to
Terminals 20, 30 and 42 are coupled electrically in the reset state by cantilever 1100, which has a movable contact 1102 that engages fixed contact 1104. On the other hand, when device 10 is tripped, the electrical connection between contacts 1102 and 1104 is broken by moving the cantilever 1100. As such, load terminal 30 and receptacle terminal 42 are electrically disconnected from the line terminal 20. Alternatively, the single beam structure may be included for coupling and decoupling hot terminals 300 and 48 from hot line terminal 200.
For multi-phase systems in which there is more than one hot conductor from the AC power source, any mix and match combination of dual cantilever structures such as shown in
As embodied herein and depicted in
Referring to
Latch block 1200 includes weld-breaker arm 1206. Weld breaker arm 1206 is configured to break any weld that may exist between contact pair 808/804. Latch block 1200 also includes weld breaker arm 1204. Weld breaker arm 1204 is configured to break any weld that may exist between contact pair 804/800. During the tripping operation, latch block 1200 is configured to accelerate in a downward motion. With regard to contact pair 808/804, the motion of latch block 1200 causes surface 1206 to strike cantilever 814. The striking motion tends to break any weld that may have formed between contact 808 and contact 804. A similar action takes place in separating contact pair 804/800. When device 10 is tripped, latch block 1200 accelerates downwardly, causing weld breaker arm 1204 to strike cantilever 816. The striking motion is designed to break any weld that may have formed between contact 804 and contact 800.
The weld breaking mechanism also includes a stop member 1208. Stop 1208 restricts the downward movement of cantilever 814 during the tripping operation. Stop 1208 is configured to assist weld breaker arm 1204 in breaking any weld that may exist between contact pair 804/800. When weld breaker arm 1204 is moving in a downward motion, cantilever 814 is also deflecting in a downward direction. However, stop 1208 limits the downward deflection of a portion of cantilever 814. Essentially, stop 1208 applies a force in an upward direction while arm 1206 is applying a force in a downward direction. The combination of these forces tend to break any weld that may have formed between contact pair 804/800.
The present invention may be implemented with either weld breaker arm 1204, 1206, or both. Further, if both weld breakers 1204 and 1206 are provided, the striking action may be sequenced such that one weld breaker arm strikes its respective cantilever before the other arm strikes its respective cantilever. At any rate, once any welds that may exist have been broken and all contact pairs of trip mechanism 801 are open, trip mechanism 801 is in the tripped state.
Although the weld-breaking feature has been described with respect to a dual cantilever structure, a weld breaker can be configured for a single cantilever structure such as depicted in
Referring to
In one embodiment of the present invention, trip mechanism 801 includes an auxiliary switch 812. Auxiliary switch contacts 812 open when trip mechanism 801 is in the tripped position. If SCR 106 has reached end-of-life and is permanently ON, auxiliary switch 812 assures that solenoid 52 is not permanently connected to a source of current. Otherwise, solenoid 52 may become thermally damaged by continuous exposure to the current, and be unable to operate trip mechanism 801 to interrupt a fault condition. If SCR 106 has reached end of life, and reset button 822 is depressed to close the various contacts associated with trip mechanism 801, auxiliary switch 812 closes. In response thereto, solenoid 52 will immediately trip the mechanism again. Thus, auxiliary contacts 812 ensure that trip mechanism 801 will not remain reset when an end-of-life condition has been reached. Accordingly, load terminals 30 and 300, and receptacle terminals 42 and 48 cannot be permanently connected to line terminals 200 and 20 when SCR 106 has reached end of life, sometimes referred to as safe failure of device 10.
The present invention also includes a trip indicator. Indicator 1302 is coupled to auxiliary switch 812. When trip mechanism 801 is in the tripped state, indicator 1302 is illuminated. Indicator 1302 is thus used to indicate to the user that device 10 is tripped. Accordingly, the user realizes that device 10 is the cause of the power interruption in the circuit. Indicator 1302 furthermore demonstrates to the user if auxiliary switch 812 is able to close and open. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that indicator 1302 may be implemented as a lamp, an annunciator, or both. In the ON state, indicator 1302 may transmit continuously or intermittently. Device 10 also may include a “power-on” indicator 1304. Dashed line 1306 between indicator 1304 and DC ground represents the power-on indicator circuit. Indicator 1304 is configured to demonstrate that power is being delivered to the load terminals 30 and 300, and receptacle terminals 42 and 48. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that indicator 1304 may be implemented as a lamp, an annunciator, or both.
Miswire detection circuit 1308 includes a miswire resistor 1310 in series with an optional switch 1312. Switch 1312, if provided, is open during manufacturing assembly to facilitate electrical testing of device 10. After device 10 has been tested, switch 1312 is closed during assembly, before device 10 is in the commercial stream. When device 10 is properly wired, i.e., the source of power of the electrical distribution system is connected to line terminals 20 and 200, a constant current flows through resistor 1310. Resistor 1310 is configured to open circuit when the electrical current has flowed for a predetermined time. In the preferred embodiment the predetermined time is about 1 to 5 seconds. After resistor 1310 has open circuited, reset button 822 can be depressed, enabling trip mechanism 801 to enter the reset state. Optionally, a fuse or an air gap device (not shown) can be connected in series with resistor 1310 whereby resistor 1310 remains closed and the fuse or air gap device is responsible for open circuiting within the predetermined time.
If device 10 is miswired, the current fails to flow through resistor 1310 in the manner described above and resistor 1310 fails to open-circuit. Instead, the current through resistor 1310 is sensed by differential transformer 100 as a differential current. Detector 104 interprets the differential current as a fault condition. Accordingly, detector 104 signals the control input to SCR 106. SCR 106 is turned ON to thereby actuate solenoid 52. Solenoid 52 generates a magnetic field and mechanism 801 is tripped. Thus, the current flowing through resistor 1310 is interrupted before resistor 1310 open-circuits. The duration of the current flow through resistor 1310 is approximately the response time of device 10. In other words, the current flowing through resistor 1310 is interrupted in less than 0.1 seconds. As such, the duration of the current flow is too brief to cause opening of resistor 1310. If reset button 822 is depressed to reset trip mechanism 801, current starts to flow again through resistor 1310. However, the current is again detected and device 10 is immediately tripped. Accordingly, device 10 will repeatedly trip when the source of power of the power distribution system is miswired to the load terminals.
Accordingly, the present invention is configured such that contact pair 808/804 and contact pair 804/800 are open (tripped) when device 10 is miswired. The tripped state prevents the AC power source, having been miswired to the load terminals (30,300), from permanently providing power to the receptacle terminals even though a fault condition in the user attachable load might be present.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are other miswire protection methods configured to permanently block the ability to reset device 10 until device 10 has been properly wired. For example, resistor 1310 may provide a physical block that prevents interference between escapement 830 and latch 826. When device 10 is properly wired, resistor 1310 conducts a steady current which causes resistor 1310 to heat sufficiently to melt solder on its solder pads. A spring bias (not shown) may be implemented to urge resistor 1310 to dislodge. Dislodged resistor 1310, no longer providing a physical block, permits reset button 822 to establish the interference between escapement 830 and 826. Accordingly, until the device is wired properly, resistor 1310 will not be dislodged and device 10 cannot be reset.
An AFCI or other protective device may be protected from miswiring by including trip mechanism 801 and a miswiring circuit 1308′. Sensor 100′ and detector 104′ are configured to sense and detect the particular fault condition(s) being protected. The miswire resistor may be configured to generate a simulated fault signal. As described above, the miswire resistor clears when device 10 is properly wired. As such, the simulated fault condition is likewise cleared, permitting the trip mechanism 801 to reset. Alternatively, the miswire resistor may be configured to generate a trip signal that does not represent a fault condition. The trip signal similarly interrupts when device 10 is properly wired, permitting the trip mechanism 801 to reset. For example, miswire resistor 1310′ generates a trip signal to turn SCR 1060N. Solenoid 52 is activated until device 10 is properly wired, whereupon resistor 1310′ is cleared to create an open circuit.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Savicki, Jr., Gerald R., Radosavljevic, Dejan, Weeks, Richard
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